Wrong-way driver killed in Mesa crash

PHOENIX — A wrong-way driver is dead after an SUV crashed into a box truck in Mesa Wednesday.

MCSO Lt. Brandon Jones said the collision happened on University Drive near 67th Street.

“A Jeep Liberty occupied by two (people) were traveling eastbound on University when (the Jeep) crossed over into westbound traffic,” Jones explained. “(The Jeep) eventually struck a Budget rental truck.”

There were three people inside the truck and all suffered minor injuries.

The driver of the Jeep, 53-year-old Kenneth Jerger, was killed, while the passenger is being treated for minor injuries.

Jones said he doesn’t know how long Jerger was going the wrong way before the crash, and they don’t know if he was under the influence.

“Can’t rule out impairment at this point, (but) because (Jerger) has passed away, we need to wait for toxicology reports,” Jones said.”

MCSO did say that deputies were called out to Jerger’s home earlier in the day in reference to a domestic situation but offered no other details.